5A All-State Team: DBs, K, P
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This article will be the last in the 5A All-State series. I want to thank everyone for tuning in these past couple of weeks, as I broke down and analyzed each player’s game. It was a great 2023 season and…
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Continue ReadingThis article will be the last in the 5A All-State series. I want to thank everyone for tuning in these past couple of weeks, as I broke down and analyzed each player’s game. It was a great 2023 season and I can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store for us. Without further ado, let’s get into the final 5A All-State Team analysis.
Ramon Pacheco Ramon Pacheco 5’11” | 175 lbs | DB Pine Creek | 2024 State CO is one of the top corners on the 5A All-State Team. Throughout the season, he accounted for 27 total tackles (20 solo, 7 assist), 2 TFL, 6 interceptions (T-1st), 3 PD, and 1 pick 6. Pacheco has good size for a cornerback, measuring in at 5’11 170 pounds. He mainly plays on the outside, but can play on the inside if needed. When you turn on the tape, his speed strikes you. He has very good speed, acceleration, and change of direction. When the ball is in his hands, he’s gone. He will make players miss using his home run speed. Very good punt returner too. Throughout his play, Ramon’s very good mental processing is on display. He stays patient and doesn’t get faked out by a receiver. He will also follow the QB’s eyes. Pacheco will identify the plays as they’re happening, and make the impact. Whether it’s jumping a route, getting an interception, or coming out of an assignment to stop the ball carrier. For example, he jumped the route and got the pick 6 against Douglas County. Physical corner, who uses his physicality against the WR at the LOS or in route. Dominant against the run too. Hard hitter and makes his presence known. He’s got good zone coverage abilities and very good man coverage abilities. He sticks to the wide receiver like glue, making it hard for them to separate. In zone coverage, he executes his assignments and usually stays in his zone unless it is to stop a ball carrier. Pacheco has great ball skills. Think of him like a ball hawk. Very good ball tracking and catching. Fluid, natural catching motion that he’ll pluck the ball out of the air. (Having experience as a WR helps.) Ramon is consistently playing at a high level. Showing good competitive toughness by not giving up on plays and playing after the whistle. Great season deserving of being on the 5A All-State team.
Highlights
Jakhai Mack Jakhai Mack WR Mountain Vista | 2025 State CO is another stellar corner on the 5A All-State Team. He is a two way athlete, putting up killer numbers at both positions. As a CB, he had 34 total tackles (19 solo, 15 assist) 6 int (T-1st), 4 PD, 1 FF, 2 pick 6s. As a WR he had 60 receptions for 988 yards and 9 touchdowns. This kid can play ball, and he’s only 5’9 145 pounds. Mack has very good athletic ability. He has very good speed, acceleration, change of direction, and jumping. Even at 5’9, he has lengthy arms. At the line of scrimmage, he’ll excel using his physicality and press jam the receiver. He uses his shifty feet to keep up with the WR’s footwork. Demonstrates good mental processing by keeping his eyes on the QB. He’ll jump forward and get the interception. Uses home run speed to get downfield and take it to the house. Jakhai is good in both man and zone coverage. In man, he’ll stick to the wide receiver like glue. He uses his very good athletic ability to keep up with athletic receivers. Will deflect ball away. In zone, he’s patient. He’s not forcing anything and stays in his assignment. He’ll lock down his entire zone. Very good ball tracking skills. Able to track the ball and WR easily at the same time. Fluid, natural catching. Throughout his play, Mack continues to show his good competitive toughness. He’d play throughout the whistle. He wouldn’t give up on plays. If he got beat, he’d comeback and win the next play. Great season deserving to be on the list.
Chase Williams
Chase Williams
The final CB on the team is Chase Williams. Williams is a ball hawk and makes his presence known on the field. Measuring in at 5’7 130 pounds, he’s like a mighty mouse. His play/technique overshadows any questions us scouts may have on his height. He is a baller. Throughout the season, he had 28 total tackles (19 solo, 6 assist), 1 TFL, 5 interceptions, 11 PD, 2 FR, 2 touchdowns (1 pick 6, 1 FR for a TD). He has very good athletic ability due to very good speed, acceleration, change of direction, and jumping. Kid’s got a fast back peddle to keep up with WR’s initially. Able to get up vertically and challenge the bigger receivers. Williams has good mental processing and shows it in many ways. He’ll identify the plays and be in the correct spot to disrupt the offensive flow. He’ll swat the ball away too. If a receiver makes a catch on him, he’ll keep trying to knock the ball out of their hands for an incompletion. Has very good competitive toughness. Plays at a high level consistently, and with a chip on his shoulder. He’s got good strength. He’ll tackle bigger receivers than him with ease. Williams has good man coverage skills. He uses his athletic ability to stay neck and neck with the receivers. He’ll use his physicality to press jam at the line of scrimmage. Williams sticks to the wide receiver like an adhesive. Good zone coverage too. He stays patient in his zone, not getting over aggressive. He executes his zone assignments at a high level. Very good ball tracking skills. Chase keeps his eyes on the ball. For example, he showed good concentration on a tipped pass. He caught it and brought it back to the house. Phenomenal player deserving of this list.
Kahre thrived as a safety for Grandview. Throughout the season, he accounted for 119 total tackles (56 solo, 64 assist), 2 TFL, 2 sacks, 8 PD, and 2 blocked punts. Measuring in at 5’9 165 pounds, he’s a decent size for a safety. Kahre has very good athletic ability due to very good speed, acceleration, and good change of direction. Kahre is all over the field. Demonstrates good mental processing in many ways. He’ll follow the QB’s eyes and it leads him to making a play. Able to identify the play pre-snap and adjust. Something that stood out to me was he’ll keep trying to knock the ball out after the reception. Very good competitive toughness. Plays at a high level consistently. He wasn’t giving up on plays and plays after the whistle. Very physical safety. He lays the boom when tackling. Very good tackling form. He’s a hard hitter who makes the ball carrier pay. Also blocked a couple punts with his physicality as well. Kahre is a good run supporter. Comes down from the top and makes the play. He’s a good block shedder, gets off them easily. Kahre kills it in zone coverage. He stays in his assignment and executes at a high level. He’s also patient and not too aggressive in zones. Stud deserving of this list.
Another starting safety for the 5A All-State team, Knapke made himself known over this past season. He accounted for 104 total tackles (43 solo, 61 assist), 2 TFL, and 4 int. Knapke has very good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, jumping, good speed and change of direction. He uses his athletic ability, and is consistently all over the field or near the ball carrier. He usually plays as the top safety, but will sometimes come down in run support. Landing big hits on unsuspecting ball carriers. Shows good competitive toughness. Plays at a high level consistently and will help teammates finish tackles. Demonstrates good mental processing. He does this by watching and following the QB’s eyes. He’ll identify the play and get the interception. Will raise his arms up to swat the ball away. Patient at following the ball carrier. He’s not too aggressive. Good ball tracking skills, and natural catching ability. Very good playing in the box and run support. Good block shedder. Sheds blocks easily and makes the play. Good man coverage skills. He’ll stick to the WR like glue. Good zone coverage as well. Executes his assignments and stays in his zone. Also makes plays as a special teamer. He used his very good athletic ability to block field goals. Impressive player who earned his way to the 5A All-State team.
Highlights
Mason Walters
Mason Walters
Starting kicker for the 5A All-State team. Walters had a good season for the Valor Eagles. He went 31/33 for PATs. He went 9/12 on field goals with his longest being 55 yards. For a junior in high school, that’s crazy to think about. Mason has a very powerful leg. Good accuracy as well. Those two qualities combined make him a formidable and reliable kicker. He’s consistent and gets the job done, earning his spot on the team.
Christian Montero
Christian Montero
Starting punter for the 5A All-State team. Montero is a phenomenal punter. Throughout the season, he punted 37 times for 1,374 yards. HIs longest punt was 61 yards. He punted the ball within the opponent’s 20 yard line 15 times. He led the 5A in that category. 40% of his punts set up his defense in great position. Powerful leg with good accuracy as well. He’s only a sophomore and made it onto the list with his stellar punting abilites.